Pipeline Mechanical Integrity
Establishing a Sound Program
The consequences of an inadequate pipeline mechanical integrity program include:
- Unexpected shutdowns leading to lost production
- Regulatory fines
- Environmental damage
- Human injury or fatality
For pipeline Owner/Operators, a sound pipeline mechanical integrity program that ensures the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the piping system(s) is critical. Even if specific facilities are not required to comply with OSHA 1910.119 Process Safety Management, good engineering practice demands that integrity programs be established that document the systems design basis, management of change and new installations as well as provide an optimized inspection plan for testing and mitigating corrosion. Documentation should include calculations based on generally accepted good engineering practice and industry standards.
To facilitate a comprehensive and efficient pipeline inspection and testing program, an Owner/Operator may also utilize an assessment of risks associated with their pipeline system’s operation.
Equity Engineering can address these needs and concerns by providing the following solutions:
- A review of Owner/Operator existing integrity programs for conformity with the latest guidelines and generally accepted good engineering practice (OSHA 1910.119)
- A review of Owner/Operator pressure relief device standards for current compliance with DOT, ASME and API requirements and/or guidelines
- Performance or review of calculations based on ASME/API requirements and guidelines, including PRD sizing and installation assessment (inlet/outlet pipe sizing and routing)
- Suitability-For-Service (SFS) assessment on vessels, tanks and piping systems that lack adequate documentation
- Fitness-For-Service (FFS) assessment on vessels, tanks and piping including determination of damage mechanisms
- Structural assessment of piping and pipeline systems for compliance with ASME codes
- Implementation of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs
Mr. Sadowski is responsible for pressure relief device system studies in refinery, chemical plant and pipeline transportation operations. He provides quality assurance/quality control oversight for major refinery relief system documentation projects. He is also involved in heat exchanger vibration and pressure transient analyses as they relate to the tube rupture relieving scenario. In addition, Mr. Sadowski is an instructor for the API University Pressure Relieving Systems classroom course.
Ms. Ward has 15 years of experience in the chemical industry where she has been responsible for pressure relief device system studies in chemical plant operations. She has also been involved in pipe stress and vibration analysis and has performed extensive Risk-Based Inspection studies on plant pressure vessels, heat exchangers and storage tanks.
